Vanessa Bryant Reconciles Nike Partnership Announces Kobe & Gigi Shoes
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Vanessa Bryant did it!
Kobe's widow just announced the Bryant family's longtime partnership with Nike has been renewed ... after Vanessa previously said she was parting ways with the Swoosh over money and shoe availability issues.
The previous contract ended in April 2021 after Vanessa was reportedly looking for a "lifetime" contract, similar to what LeBron James and Michael Jordan have gotten.
But, Thursday Vanessa announced both sides were able to come to an agreement to bring Kobe -- and Gigi -- under the Nike brand once again.
"We're excited to announce our partnership with Nike is going to continue! I am so proud that my husband's shoes are still the most worn by players on NBA courts and that the demand for his shoes remain so desired by his fans around the world," Bryant wrote.
And, Vanessa made it clear the deal isn't about financial gain -- it's about continuing to grow Kobe and Gigi's legacy through youth basketball.
"With this new partnership, fans will soon be able to have access to Kobe and Gigi Nike product for years to come and with Nike donating 100% of the net proceeds yearly for Gianna’s shoes to our Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation (M&MSF)."
Vanessa continued ... "I am also grateful that Nike and I will work together to establish a youth basketball center in Southern California that will share the Mamba Mentality with youth athletes for generations to come. I know this is an inspiring moment for my husband and daughter's global fans, and I am very appreciative of each and every one of you!"
The Gigi shoe will reportedly be a custom version of the Kobe 6 Protro, dubbed the "Mambacita Sweet Sixteen."
Kobe famously joined Nike in 2003 after a short stint with Adidas.
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Russia Gunning To Host UEFA Tourney In '28 ... Despite Ukraine War
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Russia, in the midst of a horrific war where they've killed innocent civilians, wants to host a major soccer tournament, the European Football Championship, in 2028 or 2032.
Yes, Vladimir Putin isn't going to let the invasion of a sovereign nation and the killing of thousands of people stop them from applying to hold the Euros.
According to the Associated Press, the Russian Football Union announced their intent to play host, with RFU president Alexander Dyukov telling Russian TV ... "We must take the opportunity to host the Euro. It will be at the World Cup stadiums, and we have developed infrastructure."
FYI, Russia hosted the 2018 World Cup.
Even back then many fans weren't happy the country got the most prestigious sporting event in the world. But now, Russia has become pariahs of the world.
In fact, Russia has been shunned by the global soccer community. FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) and UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) decided to ban the country from competing in any international soccer tourneys.
At the time, the organizations released the following statement, saying, "Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine. Both [FIFA & UEFA] presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace amongst people.”
UEFA also relocated the Champions League finals, originally supposed to be played in Russia in February, to Paris.
Russia will be bidding against Turkey and the British Isles ... who also want to host the 2028 European Championship. As for the 2032 bid, Italy is also vying to host the tourney.
A decision will not be made until September 2023 ... but it's almost impossible to imagine Russia being granted the bid.
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Jorge Masvidal Pleads Not Guilty To Two Felony Charges ... After Alleged Covington Attack
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2:08 PM PT -- Court records, obtained by TMZ Sports, show Masvidal was charged with one felony count of aggravated battery with a mask and one felony count of criminal mischief on Thursday over his alleged attack on Covington.
The records show Masvidal pleaded not guilty to the charges. He's due back in court for a hearing on the matter on April 21.
6:10 AM PT -- 3/24 -- Masvidal bonded out of jail early Thursday morning ... and hid his face from cameras as he was whisked into a car near the station.
Jorge Masvidal is in jail in Florida ... he's been arrested over his alleged attack on Colby Covington.
Jail records, obtained by TMZ Sports, show the 37-year-old UFC star was booked in Miami at 10:27 PM ET on Wednesday, where he posed for a mug shot.
The records show he was booked on two charges -- aggravated battery with a mask, and criminal mischief. His bond has been set at $15,000, the records show.
WPLG Local 10 News shot video of Masvidal as he entered the jail in cuffs. The footage shows he sprinted into the station without taking any questions from reporters.
Exclusive @GamebredFighter headed to jail on an aggravated battery charge after his alleged attack on @ColbyCovMMA Exclusive video and story on @WPLGLocal10 pic.twitter.com/HGJhTz25Kj
— Rosh Lowe (@roshloweWPLG) March 24, 2022 @roshloweWPLG
As we previously reported, Masvidal has been accused of punching Covington twice as his UFC rival was leaving popular restaurant Papi Steak on Monday night.
In police documents, cops say Covington told them Masvidal hit him in the mouth and the eye -- causing him to fracture a tooth.
Cops also say Covington suffered an abrasion on his wrist and a damaged watch.
In video we obtained shortly after the alleged incident, Covington can be heard appearing to describe the attack, saying, "He's over here swinging, trying to come at me, and I ran ..."
Covington has yet to comment publicly on the incident.
Story developing ...
Originally Published -- 3/23 7:52 PM PT
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Deshaun Watson New Grand Jury, Same Results ... QB Dodges Criminal Charges Again
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Deshaun Watson is off the hook again, a second grand jury in Texas has declined to charge the new Cleveland Browns QB.
Just days after a grand jury in Harris County, Texas opted not to charge the 26-year-old over allegations that he was sexually inappropriate with female massage therapists, another grand jury in Brazoria County did the same.
According to the district attorney, the grand jury met on Thursday and "declined to charge Deshaun Watson with any crimes."
"Accordingly," the DA added, "this matter is closed."
Watson could still face further charges in other parts of the country, as his alleged victims have accused him of wrongdoing in multiple states.
The new Cleveland signal-caller is also still facing a mountain of civil lawsuits from his accusers.
Video of @deshaunwatson entering #Browns facility in Berea. @cleveland19news @WOIOSports pic.twitter.com/drqVgJK0im
— Dan Wagner (@dwagsphoto) March 24, 2022 @dwagsphoto
As we reported, Watson was traded from the Houston Texans to the Cleveland Browns after the Harris County grand jury's decision last week.
Cleveland -- which said it was aware of Thursday's new grand jury hearing -- gave Watson a massive new contract and handed over a bevy of draft picks, including three first-rounders, to the Texans to acquire the QB.
Watson was in Berea, Ohio at the Browns' headquarters on Thursday for his physical, which he passed. He was spotted at the facility wearing an orange Browns jacket.
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Denver Broncos Mile High Stadium Catches Fire ... Massive Smoke Clouds
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Empower Field at Mile High Stadium -- the home of the Denver Broncos -- caught on fire on Thursday ... and images from the scene are alarming.
No word on what caused the blaze ... but Denver Fire says suite and third-level areas of the stadium seats underneath John Lynch's spot on the Ring of Fame were affected.
Several sections of the stadium were destroyed ... but luckily, DFD says the fire has since been put out, thanks to sprinklers and brave firefighters.
Huge clouds of smoke are filling the Denver skyline ... with several witnesses posting their views of the fire.
Big thick black smoke coming from inside Mile High Stadium @9NEWS pic.twitter.com/HeP1h3TICG
— amsterdamred-Wander Returns 🇺🇦 (@amsterdamred) March 24, 2022 @amsterdamred
Mile High opened in 2001 ... and has hosted Broncos games, concerts and soccer matches. It could become one of the game locations for the 2026 World Cup.
We'll update with more information as it becomes available.
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Tyreek Hill More Like Ty-Leak Hill!!! ... Bathroom Emergency Pauses Dolphins Intro
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Tyreek Hill was super pissy before facing the media in Miami for the first time ... but it had nothing to do with his mood -- the guy just had to drain the snake!!
The hilarious moment went down right before the superstar receiver was set to be introduced as a member of the Miami Dolphins ... with Hill getting up and heading out of the room right after new teammate Terron Armstead was done talking with reporters.
Less than two minutes later, the All-Pro took the stage and walked to the podium to take questions from the journalists ... even joking about the whole ordeal.
"I feel a whole lot better," Hill said, laughing. "I just didn't wanna be rude. I'm like, 'Yo, I do not know what to do right now, y'all."
🐆 🤝 🐬
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) March 24, 2022 @MiamiDolphins
✍️ @cheetah
📍 @BaptistHealthSF Training Complex pic.twitter.com/z7omhZINFF
When a reporter made a clever remark about how Hill's speed on the field is reflected in the bathroom, the Super Bowl champ reminded everyone about his perfect nickname.
"Quick, baby. Cheetah."
Now, since the dude was back rather quickly, we're assuming it was #1. If it was the other option ... well, let's not go there.
Hill joined the Dolphins this week after shockingly getting traded from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for 5 draft picks.
The guy just inked a 4-year, $120 million deal with his new team ... so now he can get a big ass house with plenty of bathrooms!!
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NFL Star Jordan Mailata Giant Man with Giant Voice!!! More Music After 'Masked Singer' Stint?
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Breathe easy, Philadelphia Eagles fans ... Jordan Mailata is not bailing on football, even though it seems he could after a surprising 'Masked Singer' gig that started with a very unexpected call.
The star offensive tackle joined "TMZ Live" Thursday to talk about his unmasking on the reality show. He was the one in the 'Thingamabob' costume, and last night he sang 'Classic' by MKTO. While his impressive vocals have been under wraps, Jordan says his teammates already knew about his hidden talent.
In fact, they'd encouraged him to go pro ... but Jordan says it wasn't until he got a call from his agent about doing 'Masked Singer' that it ever became a thought for him.
NOW YOU KNOW! It was me behind the #ThingamabobMask!
— Jordan Mailata (@jordan_mailata) March 24, 2022 @jordan_mailata
What a journey! @MaskedSingerFOX will return next Wednesday on @FOXTV! #TheMaskedSinger pic.twitter.com/bkRJZLaO83
Now that folks outside the locker room know about Jordan's pipes, JM says he's taking things one step at a time and being realistic about his prospects in the music biz. He added, it's been incredible and humbling to get such wholesome reactions from people.
But, while he is considering doing more singing -- perhaps professionally -- Jordan says football will always be his first love.
So, chill Philly ... don't go punching any horses.
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Chris Webber, UM Legend My Wolverines Will Beat Villanova By 7 ... Also Dropping New NFT!!
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It ain't exactly David vs. Goliath, but #11 seed Michigan is an underdog in their Sweet 16 matchup with Villanova ... but Chris Webber says that doesn't mean a thing 'cause the Wolverines are winning, and it really won't be that competitive.
TMZ Sports talked to the University of Michigan legend the night before Michigan squares off with Jay Wright's Nova squad, and asked Webber about the matchup.
"Villanova is a great team, great coach, but we have a lot of heart. I tell you what, in the bracket, I picked Houston to win just filling out things before the tournament started but after the way we've been playing since game one, I got us going all the way."
If Michigan advances, they'd play the winner of the Arizona (#1 seed) and Houston (#5 seed) game on Saturday with a trip to the Final 4 on the line.
Chris even told us how many points Michigan is going to win by.
"We're gonna win by 7. That's my prediction."
The teams followed a different path to the Sweet 16. Nova blew out #15 seed Delaware by 20 points in the first round of the tourney. They then handled #7 seed Ohio State in round two.
Michigan had a more challenging run to the Sweet 16. They beat #6 seed Colorado State by 12 in the first round, and then upset #3 seed Tennessee in the second round.
UM isn't your traditional #11 seed. They have a lot of talent and started the season ranked in the top 5 in the national polls. However, the season didn't go according to plan, and Juwan Howard's squad squeaked in as a low seed.
There's more. Chris also told us about his new partnership with Coinllectibles ... where he'll serve as president, tasked with introducing innovative sports and entertainment NFTs.
In fact, C-Webb and the company are releasing an NFT around his incredible career at Michigan on March 28.
Of course, Webber starred at Michigan between 1991 and 1993 as a member of the famed Fab Five. Chris was so good coming out of Ann Arbor that he was the 1st overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft.
Will the Wolverines still be alive in the NCAA Tourney when the NFT drops ... stay tuned!
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Kyrie Irving Allowed To Play In BK Again ... NYC Mayor Lifts Vax Mandate
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10:27 AM PT -- 3/24 -- It's official -- Kyrie will be able to take the court at Barclays Center once again ... as the mayor just lifted the mandate.
The NBA and Players Association released a statement on Thursday ... saying, "With today's announcement, we support the Mayor's determination that the old rules treating hometown and visiting players differently no longer made sense, particularly because unvaccinated NBA players will continue to test daily."
"We applaud the Mayor for listening to the concerns of our New York teams, players, fans and communities and for leveling the playing field for home teams and their opponents."
After a long standoff with NYC vaccine mandates, Kyrie Irving will be allowed to play in home games once again ... as a new exemption will allow in-town athletes and performers to work indoors and on the court again.
Irving will be eligible to make his home debut at Barclays Center on Sunday when his Nets take on the Hornets, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.
The new exemption -- which was just reported Wednesday -- will be effective immediately beginning Thursday.
Irving was sidelined for a majority of the season over his refusal to get jabbed ... but he's since been allowed to play in road games for the Nets.
The mayor previously expressed his desire to see Irving on the court, but said he would not change the rules just to accommodate Kyrie.
Irving has missed a substantial amount of games this season due to the current mandate that required players to be vaxxed ... which, of course, he is not.
The NBA champ had been criticized from several high profile celebrities like Howard Stern and Chris Rock ... but he refused to cave in and get the shot.
NBA commish Adam Silver has called for Irving to get vaccinated ... but recently admitted he felt the current mandates in NYC made no sense.
The Nets were recently fined $50,000 by the NBA for breaking the NBA's COVID-19 protocol ... after Kyrie was spotted in the Barclays Center locker room after a game.
At the time, Irving was allowed to watch games in the arena, but NOT be in a workplace environment -- AKA, he couldn't be in the locker room. Silly, we know.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
The change comes ahead of MLB Opening Day ... which means Yankees and Mets players are also breathing a sigh of relief.
No official announcement yet ... but it's just a matter of time.
BTW -- it's Irving's birthday on Wednesday ... so it's a pretty great gift.
Originally Published -- 3/23 3:58 PM PT
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Justin Bieber, Auston Matthews Bro Down In Leafs Locker Room ... On Drew Jersey Night
The Toronto Maple Leafs debuted their new Justin Bieber-designed jerseys on Wednesday ... and they were joined by none other than the Biebs himself!!
Auston Matthews and the "Peaches" singer got in some one-on-one time after their matchup against the New Jersey Devils ... showing the NHL superstar walking up to and hugging Bieber in the locker room.
Of course, the duo has become pretty tight over the years ... and have even hit the ice together to play some pickup hockey.
Bieber got the VIP treatment on Wednesday ... checking out the facility, taking pics with all the players and getting his very own custom Drew jersey.
Hold on, last night was a movie 🎥 pic.twitter.com/VnOsxVSf8t
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) March 24, 2022 @MapleLeafs
The night was extra special for Bieber ... as his beloved team rocked his newly-designed threads in their 3-2 win over the Devils.
As we previously reported, the sweaters are reversible to show the yellow Drew House design on the inside ... and the team rocked 'em during warm-ups!!
The jerseys are a big hit -- they're already sold out on the Drew website ... and are flying off the shelves with the NHL Shop.
Since the Leafs came out with the win, ya might see them rock the Drew again soon -- after all, they seem like quite the good luck charm!!
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Colby Covington My $90K Rolex Was Damaged ... In Masvidal Ambush
Colby Covington told police the watch that was damaged when Jorge Masvidal attacked him earlier this week was a $90,000 Rolex.
The detail was revealed in new police documents, obtained by TMZ Sports, in which cops say the UFC star told them Masvidal caused $15,000 worth of damage to the pricey piece of jewelry when he attacked him outside of Papi Steak in Miami on Monday night.
In the docs, cops say Covington told them his watch "had scratches and a bent/broken wristband" following the altercation.
The new docs also revealed Covington did go to the Miami Beach Police Criminal Investigations Division to press charges on Masvidal.
Cops in the docs also say Masvidal had an injury to his right hand/knuckles "where he had stitches that occurred prior to police contact" when he turned himself in on Wednesday night.
As we reported, Masvidal was booked on two charges -- aggravated battery with a mask, and criminal mischief. He bonded out early Thursday morning.
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Arizona's Benn Mathurin Trying To Apologize To TCU Dancer ... Over Apparent Chest Touch
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Arizona Wildcats hoops star Bennedict Mathurin says he has been trying to apologize to a TCU dancer this week ... after he appeared to accidentally touch her chest following a game this weekend.
The alleged moment happened after the Wildcats' 85-80 win over the Horned Frogs in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday ... when the 6'6" Canadian baller -- the 2022 Pac-12 Player of the Year -- took a bow in front of fans and spread his arms as he was headed to the locker room.
From one angle, Mathurin's hand appeared to make contact with the dancer's chest ... but a different clip shows he actually might have avoided touching her.
definitely not intentional pic.twitter.com/yIMjsbZkgp
— big sports girl (@p3ttyprinc3ss24) March 22, 2022 @p3ttyprinc3ss24
Either way, the 19-year-old said he is actively trying to reach out to the student to personally apologize.
"I actually sent an email trying to reach out to the cheerleader," Mathurin said.
"Through the TCU athletic department, I reached out to her and that is it."
Dave Heeke, Arizona's athletic director, backed Mathurin's words ... saying the hooper did reach out to TCU to try to resolve the situation.
"While he does not recall any contact, he has attempted to reach out to the TCU student through their Athletic Department to apologize."
The 1-seed Wildcats and Mathurin will face the 5-seed Houston Cougars on Thursday in Sweet 16.
The winner will play against either Michigan or Villanova in the Elite 8 on Saturday.
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Naomi Osaka I'm Going To Therapy Now ... After Indian Wells Breakdown
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Naomi Osaka is taking further steps to try to improve her mental health following her breakdown at Indian Wells ... announcing Wednesday she's now seeing a therapist.
Osaka shared the news with reporters after her match in the first round of the Miami Open ... when asked how she's mentally preparing to compete following her emotional meltdown on the court in California two weeks ago.
Naomi Osaka asked for the microphone after her loss against Veronika Kudermetova. Here's what she said. pic.twitter.com/0Pj9WnNe4t
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 13, 2022 @TheTennisLetter
"I don't know if I'm allowed to say this," Osaka said, "but I finally started talking to a therapist after Indian Wells."
The tennis star said her therapy -- while recent and fresh -- is already paying off ... explaining she's receiving strategies for how to cope with events that bother her.
Osaka said she finally decided to go to a therapist because her sister was concerned for her after she began crying on the court earlier this month following a heckler's "you suck" comment.
Osaka appears to be inching toward a good place mentally -- and it's already paying off on the court, as she beat Astra Sharma in two sets Wednesday to advance to the second round.
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Conor McGregor Pursued By Cops In Bentley ... Caught On Video
The moment Conor McGregor, driving his convertible Bentley, was pulled over by Irish cops for traffic violations was caught on video by a group of "Notorious" fans ... just minutes before the UFC superstar was arrested.
The video clearly shows 33-year-old Conor driving his $200K+ Bentley Continental GT neck-and-neck with another car on the Dublin highway ... when moments later sirens are heard, and a white squad car is behind McGregor.
It's unclear how fast Conor was going at the time of the video -- the two cars in the lanes next to him are going at the same rate of speed. Still, McGregor doesn't look like he's sweatin' the run-in with police.
The clip then ends ... but as we previously reported, Conor was taken into custody for several traffic violations. His pricey car was towed.
While at the station, McGregor was administered drug and alcohol tests, which he passed, according to his rep.
McGregor, who's still recovering from his broken leg, was later released on bail.
Although it's not the worst thing Conor's been accused of over the years, he could still face 6 months in jail, if convicted, according to the Irish Independent.
Conor's been spending time in Ireland over the last few weeks ... and has been seen around Dublin in his drop-top Bentley.
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Khabib Nurmagomedov Plea To UFC Fighters ... Boycott Colby Covington!!!
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Khabib Nurmagomedov is hoping Colby Covington gets hit where it hurts -- his bank account -- saying he wants fighters to boycott taking bouts with "Chaos" after he pressed charges against Jorge Masvidal.
The Eagle and his team absolutely despise Colby ... and there was certainly bad blood between the two before his beef with "Gamebred."
Nurmagomedov is now giving his take on the Covington/Masvidal incident in Miami -- and he thinks Colby had it coming after comments he made about Jorge's kids.
"If you are stronger than someone inside the Octagon, it does not mean you can insult his children," Khabib said on Twitter on Thursday morning.
"No one has the right to insult someone's family. Once you have gone down that path, then be ready to back up your words."
As we reported, Colby pressed charges after Jorge allegedly ambushed him in Miami on Monday night ... claiming he was punched twice, resulting in a fractured tooth. He also said his watch was damaged in the scuffle.
Nurmagomedov clearly has an issue with Colby going to police ... and he wants the former interim champ to suffer consequences for it.
"You were attacked by a professional fighter, the same as you are, your own size, and you go press charges against him to the police?"
"I think all welterweights should refuse to fight Colby, just don’t accept fights with him, let him sit without a fight, it will probably significantly affect him and all fighters who even think of insulting families, who is provoking the fighters to look for someone in restaurants to deal with him."
Masvidal was arrested on Wednesday night and booked on two charges -- aggravated battery with a mask, and criminal mischief.
He bonded out Thursday morning.
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Udonis Haslem Threatens To Beat Jimmy Butler's 'Ass' ... During Heated Team Huddle
Udonis Haslem was so frustrated with his teammate Jimmy Butler during Wednesday night's game ... he threatened to beat the star's "ass" in a team huddle.
The chaotic scene went down during Miami's home game against the Warriors at FTX Arena ... when "Jimmy Buckets" and UD almost came to blows during a timeout.
Haslem and Butler, who had been sitting down, were arguing ... when Udonis appeared to yell, "I'm not your f***ing kid," which prompted Jimmy to stand up from his seat.
Haslem telling Jimmy Butler “I’ll beat your ass” 😂 pic.twitter.com/9AcQiNw6WY
— Ted Buddwell 🏀🏈 (@TedBuddy8) March 24, 2022 @TedBuddy8
Haslem then began shouting, "I'll beat your ass!" while looking Butler dead in the face.
In a video of the heated interaction, filmed by someone sitting courtside, you can see UD repeatedly saying he'd beat up Jimmy ... and even taking steps toward the Heat guard as his teammates were restraining him.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra found himself in the middle of the scrum ... and even he appeared to have words for Butler during the altercation as well.
The blowup ultimately led to a loss for Miami ... and afterward, Spoelstra tried to play it all off.
Erik Spoelstra on huddle shouting with Jimmy Butler: everybody was wondering where dinner plans were after the game pic.twitter.com/cIubMGMrWH
— Brendan Tobin (@Brendan_Tobin) March 24, 2022 @Brendan_Tobin
"Everybody was wondering where the dinner plans were after the game," Spoelstra said.
The head man eventually said his team had been getting its butt kicked ... and that the guys were clearly upset over it all.